Luxman MQ-88uC (c. 2018–2019)
The MQ-88uC is a vacuum tube stereo power amplifier that Luxman introduced around 2018-2019 as a deliberate revival of the company's 1969 MQ-60. It's not a reissue in the strict sense. The circuit lineage is clear, but the execution is thoroughly modern. The original MQ-60 was itself a triode version of the classic Mullard 5-20 circuit, with the NEC 50CA10 power triode sitting where the EL34 pentode would normally go. The MQ-88uC follows that same Mullard 5-20-compatible topology, but swaps in four KT88 tubes in a push-pull triode configuration.
Output is rated at 25 watts per channel into 4, 8, or 16 ohms. Luxman fitted independent speaker terminals for each impedance, which helps when matching older or unusual speakers. Input sensitivity is stated at 890mV for full output. The first stage is parallelized and the input connectors are gold-plated. Luxman gave it a dark brown finish described as a "modern classical appearance" meant to echo the company's finest legacy products. The lead engineer was Kazuyuki Doi, a 40-year Luxman veteran who also designed the MQ-300 single-ended triode amplifier and the CL-1000 preamp.
The MQ-88uC was positioned alongside the CL-38uC control amplifier, and Luxman put both units through a 48-hour aging process and final performance check after assembly. The Absolute Sound noted that the MQ-88uC is modeled after the 1969 MQ-60 and described its sound as fitting the mold of "naturally sweet, clear, and transparent tone delivery." The same review found the MQ-88uC/CL-38uC duo sounded clearer and more vivid in the lower registers than the comparison piece.
A used listing from January 2026 on US Audio Mart asked $2,995. No original retail price is documented in the record.
Known specifications:
- Type: Vacuum tube stereo power amplifier
- Output: 25W per channel @ 4Ω, 8Ω, or 16Ω
- Tubes: Four KT88 in push-pull triode configuration
- Input sensitivity: 890mV / 25W
- Speaker terminals: Independent 4Ω, 8Ω, 16Ω
- Finish: Dark brown
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